Coun Ernie White, cabinet member for health, said: “Awareness-raising events, such as No Smoking Day, are very helpful in spreading the message. Our smoking rates in the county are similar to the national average which is encouraging news, but we’d like to reduce the figure.”

The service wants to ensure people have the best possible chance of staying smoke-free and is available on Monday to Friday (9am to 7pm) and on Saturday (10am-2pm).

QuitReady Leicestershire will support people, on a weekly basis during a 12-week programme, via telephone, text message, web chat or email.

QuitReady manager Zaheera Chatra said: “We’re sure that many smokers will use No Smoking Day to try and quit and, by contacting us, they will further increase their chances of stopping.

“There is also a lot of evidence that, within a very short period of time, people quitting smoking start to notice improvements such as improving senses of taste and smell, easier breathing and more energy.”

QuitReady also acknowledges the significant increase in the use of e-cigarettes, which the service doesn’t provide, but behavioural support is on offer to people who use e-cigarettes.

People can also self-refer using the online contact form found on the website and the service is particularly keen to support women who are pregnant, or people who have other health problems.